Vanuatu and Solomons jointly tackle malaria

Doctors from Vanuatu and Solomon Islands say they are hoping to combat malaria by exchanging ideas at a meeting in Port Vila.

Vanuatu's Dr Timothy Quai says both countries share a similar malaria burden and are considered risky places in the Pacific region for the spread of the mosquito-transmitted parasitic disease.

Dr Quai says considerable efforts have been made in Tafea province to eradicate malaria by 2014 and this year the elimination programme will extend to Torba province.

He says community ownership of the problem is vital.

"One of the component, paramount component in this intervention is also working with the communities. Ane this has proven very very successful in the elimination province of Tafea, where we engaged chiefs and communities to be part of this intervention."

The Deputy Manager of the Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme from Vanuatu's Ministry of Health, Dr Timothy Quai.